By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Mothers and advice. They just seem to go together.
Sunday, there will be flowers, breakfast in bed and children trying to be as good for Mom as they are for Santa Claus. Sunday is Mother's Day.
It was only appropriate that our Street Talk question this week centers on the person who brought us into this world. Mom is usually the first person who gave us advice.
Whether it was "always wear clean underwear, in case you are in an accident," or "don't cross your eyes or they'll stay that way," mothers always seem to have some sage advice for their offspring – whether they want it or not.
This week the Niles Daily Star asked our selection of respondents: "What was the best advice your mother ever gave you?"
Tara Jacobs is constantly thinking about the question these days. The young Niles mom gave birth to baby Titus six weeks ago, a brother for 20-month-old Gabriel.
"The biggest thing I want for my kids is the same thing my mom wanted for me. It's to be all that God has created you to be," Jacobs said.
Her own mother Rhonda Nichols and mother-in-law Bonnie Jacobs both live close at hand in Niles as well.
As we stopped by the Hub to talk with a couple of the home-schooled children, Dolly Edwards, 9, didn't miss a beat when asked our question.
"Not to hit my sister so she hits me back. Be on my best behavior when we are in public," she said.
Not only does her mother, Meg Edwards of Niles, dispense such wise words, but Grandma Mary Kay Costner of Akron, Ohio, has a few of her own to offer young Dolly.
"Don't run by the pool," Grandma Costner tells Dolly.
"Grandma takes me swimming every summer," she said.
Kyle Schineler, 9, of Buchanan said that Mom, Peggy Schineler, tells him not to yell. She has also told him to face his fears when he is scared.
His grandmother, Shirley Shannon of Midland, has given him some excellent advice as well.
"Speak to God," Kyle said was his grandmother's best advice.
Chris and Mick Valeris were busy fertilizing the lawn of the Niles home they bought five years ago. Thursday evening was the perfect time to work out in yard, but they paused long enough to talk to the Star.
"Never give up on your dreams no matter how dire things seem to be or no matter what the obstacles," Mrs. Valeris said was her mother's advice.
Her mother, Ollie Wofford just returned to her home in Marion, Ind., after visiting with the couple for two weeks.
"My Mom is a real health nut. She encourages me to read labels and watch out for transfats and hydrogenated oils. She's really adamant about walking and all the health benefits that delivers," Mrs. Valeris said.
Marie Valeris, Mick's Mom, lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., however her son remembers her advice well. His biggest problem is deciding which to share.
"The one that comes to mind immediately, is to be careful who you associate with. Her point was depending who you associated with-they may look good on the outside, but not be so good on the inside. Check them out, whether in business, friends or whatever. You need to know who the person really is," Mr. Valeris said.
Leaving the Valeris' drive, a red truck was seen pulling in next door.
"Oh you have to get him," the Valeris' said in unison.
The man, just getting home from work, remembered this advice: "Don't point a finger, because when you do there are always four coming back at you. Always look for the good in all people. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something and always be a helping hand and it will be returned to you."
Scott Crouch, has listened to his Mom, Jerie Crouch, also of Niles.
Early lessons linger all of our lives.